You deserve a peaceful and restful sleep after a long day’s work. Nothing is more uncomfortable or irritating than a futon that slips or sags underneath you when you want to relax.
We get you!
That’s why we scoured for the best tips and solutions to prevent futon sagging, keep you comfortable, and avoid discomfort.
Why futons sag
Before we know the fix, it is good to understand what causes futons to sag. What are these?
- Stuffing used (lightweight materials like pure cotton, foam, memory foam)
- Repeated and prolonged use
- Sitting or lying down in the same spot
- Going over the recommended weight limit
- Frames digging into the futon when used
- Your sleeping habits
How to keep futons from sagging
In cartoons, characters pummel the lumps on their beds and pillows to fix them and restore them to perfect condition. But in real life, doing that would make the problem worse.
Here are some great tips for keeping your futons from sagging and starting to look like carpets.
Add support by placing a board under the futon mattress
Most of the time, futon mattresses sag because the slats supporting them are too flimsy or spaced too far apart, typical of cheaper metal futon frames.
When there’s not enough support, the weight isn’t spread evenly. This makes the slats press into the futon mattress, which can harm its structure.
You can prevent this by fitting a bunkie board or plywood on the slats before setting down the futon mattress.
The board stops sagging from the slats, provides a layer of support, and secures the futon. It also keeps the futon flat on the frame, so you can sleep comfortably and well.
Use toppers
Using a topper mattress does the trick. It can help reduce sagging and make your futon taller. They offer a more even sleeping area and an extra layer of comfort.
The toppers are mostly made with foam, wool, down, or feathers with varying thicknesses.
If you are buying a mattress topper, remember that a thicker futon made with denser material offers better protection and longer usage.
Besides adding comfort, a stylish topper is an excellent accessory to match the room’s decor.
Get mattress grips
Mattress grips can help prevent futon mattresses from sagging to some extent. These grips are designed to keep the mattress in place and distribute weight more evenly, which can help minimize sagging over time and prevent the futon mattress from sliding.
However, it’s important to note that mattress grips may not completely eliminate sagging, especially if the mattress is of poor quality or has already started to dip significantly.
While mattress grips can be a helpful tool in preventing sagging, they should be used in conjunction with other maintenance and care practices for the best results.
Flip and rotate the futon mattress
To avoid lumps and fix a sagging futon, flip the mattress over and rotate it from top to bottom at least once a month.
This will even out the futon filling and ensure you do not sit or lie in the same spot on your versatile futon couch.
If you are a side sleeper, this practical tip is especially beneficial.
It would allow you or your guest to rest the heavier parts of your body (hips and shoulder) on different areas of the futon mattress instead of in the same spots.
Add variation to how you fold the futon
Traditional Japanese and Western-style futons are all designed to be folded and tucked away.
But if you fold the futon mattress the same way every day for years, it will wear out faster, especially in the middle, and it will not last as long.
To fix this, you can refold the futon in a reversed direction. Follow this as part of the futon’s daily maintenance to prevent dipping and keep it in good condition.
Keep futon from sagging – Straight from the users
According to Quorans, here are the tips that immensely helped them keep their futons from sagging:
- Rotate the Futon Mattress
Rotating your futon mattress helps distribute wear and tear. Aim to do this every three to six months, depending on how often you use it.
This simple step can extend the life of your mattress and keep it comfortable.
- Air It Out
If possible, strip your futon mattress, take it outside, and let it air in the sun for a few hours.
This not only freshens it up but also helps kill any bacteria or mold that might have built up over time. It also safeguards against the presence of bed bugs in your futon.
It’s a natural and effective way to keep your mattress clean and hygienic.
My recommendations to prevent futon from sagging
Based on my personal experience as a futon user, I highly recommend the following tips. Let me share them with you.
- Use a Mattress Cover
I suggest using the right size mattress cover to protect your futon mattress from spills, stains, and dust mites. This protective layer safeguards the mattress and extends its lifespan. If you can’t find one that fits your mattress perfectly, you can make your own DIY cover.
It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in avoiding a saggy futon sofa bed in the long run.
Also, if your cover has tears, sew it right away to prevent further damage.
- Use a board on top of the frame
Futon mattresses frequently sag, especially when the supporting slats are too far apart or thin, as is often the case with less expensive metal frames.
I suggest attaching a wooden board on top of the slats to prevent this issue before laying down the futon mattress.
This prevents sagging due to the slats and ensures the futon remains stable and flat on the frame.
- Spruce It Up with Regular Fluffing
Just like you might fluff up your favorite pillow to keep it comfy, giving your futon mattress a good fluff can work wonders.
Simply lift and gently shake it to redistribute the filling and prevent it from settling too much in one spot. This simple trick helps maintain its shape and support over time.
- Mind the Weight Distribution
I’ve learned to be mindful of how weight is distributed on the futon.
Avoid plopping down heavily in one spot all the time, as this can lead to uneven wear and eventual sagging. Encouraging everyone to spread out a bit can really help preserve the mattress.
- Listen to Your Futon
Lastly, pay attention to any signs your futon might be giving you.
If you notice it starting to feel lumpy or uneven, it might be time to take action. Whether that means adding some extra padding or adjusting the frame, addressing issues early on can prevent them from worsening.
